Selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 29th round of the 2014 draft, Jake Butler spent last year with the organization's Rookie League team, the Gulf Coast Tigers. Plagued by injury, the right-handed pitcher didn't see the field. He signed with the Slammers in the spring. Prior to his professional career, Butler threw for nearby University of St. Francis. He was the Saints all-time leader in career victories (33) and strikeouts (325). He recorded a 10-2 record with a 2.02 ERA his senior season, earning the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2014. For his college career, Butler posted a 33-9 record in 53 appearances along with a 2.52 ERA and 325 strikeouts in 333.2 innings. Butler is a native of Channahon and enjoys golfing in his free time.